We inevitably find ourselves loathing the crosswind, as it suddenly gusts, rushes through the broad expanses we enjoy so much. Once the wind picks up, we occasionally get to decide whether to ride or not.
Occasionally, we don’t, because we don’t know how to ride a motorcycle in crosswinds. But regardless of the situation, anticipating and responding to the difficulties crosswinds pose is essential to going along for the ride.
So, here are some tips to assist you in better riding in this situation!
What Is A Motorbike’s Impact On Windy Conditions?
But first, let’s take a look at some factors directly affecting your motorbike in windy and crosswind conditions that you should be aware of.
Your Motorcycle Choice
The fundamental factor that might influence your riding in the windy condition is the motorbike you choose.
We will not advise you to pick your vehicle depending on how perfectly the steed handles under windy circumstances. However, knowing how that decision can impact you in specific circumstances might help you prepare for them.
In general, several motorbike brands do especially well in gusty circumstances. For instance, the “heavyweight” motorbikes serve as a bulwark against a powerful blast. Their strong engines give you an advantage when riding directly into the wind.
Position For Riding A Motorcycle
Besides, riding posture can also make a significant difference. In detail, a typical cruiser riding posture, for example, does not give the same level of control as the more upright posture. Additionally, it will become extremely annoying if you own an ape-hanger vehicle on windy days. Solid wheels, for example, might have an impact on handling too. These traits are not unfavorable. They are the only things to consider while you struggle against the breeze.
The Way Your Motorbike Is Packed
The way your bike is packed might also make a significant difference. We’ll discuss your motorcycle’s “sails,” or the areas most prone to being pushed about the road by the wind.
The tour pack that motorcyclists frequently attach to the baggage rack or passenger pillion is an effective sail. The wind has great influence as it bangs into the pack’s side since the tour packs are frequently positioned so high. The more these packs are far from the center of the motorbike, the more power the winds have to slam on the pack’s side. Riding with another person has a comparable impact.
A Motorcycle’s Windscreen
The motorcycle fairing or windscreen is the other sail. Regarding riding in gusty wind, these trendy items might have both positive and negative effects. Fairings and windshields effectively protect you from the wind on most days. However, they can backfire when there is a strong crosswind.
Whether the fairing is installed on the fork or the frame might also matter in crosswinds. A fairing on the frame reacts to crosswinds by pushing the motorcycle downwind. With a fairing put on the fork, the wind can move the handlebars and provide a countersteering movement, which may cause you to lean slightly towards the wind. Even if the difference might not be huge, the most important thing is to understand the situation you’re up against because wisdom and knowledge are the power in both riding and life!
Technique For Riding In Windy Conditions
Many motorcyclists we work with have fantasies about what may occur to them when they ride their steed in windy weather. Some fear they may be lifted off the ground and gone with the wind. A bucking motorcycle may be frightening.
However, when you – the motorcyclists remain composed and in command, your motorbike will stay firmly planted on the road. You have the potential to become your own biggest enemy. Several accidents result from rider panic, which arises when a motorcyclist has surrendered to the weather and gone broke control.
Maintain your cool and enjoy the journey. We believe any rider should always have that small but mighty technique! Other than that, you also should:
- Increase the distance between your steed as well as other vehicles.
- Think about changing your route and looking for more sheltered areas!
- Apply push steering technique – Get your steed back on track when a gusting wind blows on the side.
- Study wind reading to understand wind direction. Riding near or around heavy vehicles when wind power is too fierce.
- Prevent Tiredness. Every cyclist faces the risk of fatigue, increasing the number of rest areas you make along the way. At least once each hour
How To Ride A Motorcycle In Crosswinds
Step 1: Prepare Yourself For A Challenging Circumstance
The first and foremost step to help you overcome a gusting wind and ride safely in crosswinds is to be well prepared.
You can begin with 70mph or ride at whatever speed you find air resistance. You know how dangerous that is and how firmly you must fasten items to the body and bike to protect them. Sidewinders further worsen that issue. Therefore, you must try to make your motorcycle touring luggage as immovable on the motorbike as possible.
Putting a cargo net over the motorcycle touring luggage, and tightening the straps as much as possible (but not too much that can destroy everything inside) is a big help.
Your equipment will be exposed to assaults from wind from out-of-the-blue angels. Zippers should be properly closed, two-piece garments should be fastened together, visors should be sealed, and the helmet peaks should be firmly fastened.
If you know, you will be on the road in difficult circumstances, ensure your motorbike and its parts are properly working. Pay heed to the air pressures, which might lead to instability if they dip too low. It is best to bring it to the maintenance store to give it an overall check!
Step 2: Keep The Pace Reasonable
Do you realize you can let go of the handlebars when riding a motorcycle at freeway speeds and have it stay in a single direction? That is caused by the wheels’ Gyroscopic force, which makes a motorbike “desire” to stand up straight. The Gyroscopic effect is your most powerful buddy under crosswind conditions.
While being blown around on the street could urge you to decrease your speed, doing so will prevent you from fully using the wheels’ gyroscopic force. However, don’t speed up too fast. Just be sensible; 55 mph ought to be sufficient.
Step 3: Limit Your Influence
It is up to the bike you have. Your body might be the most significant source of resistance to the wind. Crouching can help to limit the contacting area. If your motorbike has a touchscreen system or screen, attempt to place your body as much as possible behind the screen.
The technique will result in the wind’s power being directed toward a point nearer the center of the motorbike’s gravity instead of away from the center. Concurrently, loosen the handlebars from your “suicide grip”. A stiff arm or tight grip may convert the motion into an input steering wheel if the gusty wind moves around your upper body.
Step 4: Peg Weighting
You don’t steer your motorcycle with the handlebars when you stand up. You should steer with your feet. That is the peg weighting. Therefore, when you apply the technique, you put your leg on the peg that faces the wind will lead to the bike changing its direction according to which foot is on which peg. The method counteracts the wind’s force, threatening to push your bike to the other way it desires.
Step 5: Utilize Cornering Techniques
If you ride in the condition of a fiercely blowing wind, you may have to steer to keep your steed on the straight line. In these circumstances, you can apply the hanging off cornering technique.
The technique is to utilize your body posture to achieve the appropriate lean angle whilst maintaining your motorbike standing up as much as possible. It helps you complete the curve considerably faster. At the same time, your vehicle traction is better.
This strategy is most effective when crouching down your body, lowering the aerodynamic footprint, plus combatting wind force with the human weight.
FAQs
Do Any Motorcycles Function Better In The Crosswind Condition?
No. In the market right now, we do not see any perfectly ideal motorbike in terms of enduring the crosswinds. Each type of motorbike has different disadvantages and advantages when it comes to controlling the vehicle in the crosswinds:
A larger, heavier motorbike will become more wind-resistant. However, the crosswinds will have more contact areas to blow against because of their size.
A smaller motorbike will be less wind-swept than a bigger motorcycle regarding contact area. A smaller motorbike, however, may still be propelled by the wind since it is lighter.
For the finest experience, ride what you are most at ease with.
When The Wind Is Blowing, Is There Still A Safe Lane?
No. There is not. The best lane to ride in any scenario is determined by:
- The road’s layout
- Route conditions
- Climate conditions
- The number of vehicles driving on a public highway or road.
You should ride and maintain the position in your lane’s middle regarding erratic wind. You can apply the technique when you travel through a place where wind blockers are around you.
To avoid drifting into some other sides or other lanes when there is a right and left crosswind, remain in the middle of the road.
Always reevaluate your current condition and give out the optimal choices!
